Even without any salary or profit, private entrepreneur Zheng Xiangyang from Sichuan Province still voluntarily devotes himself to public affairs.

In fact, he was the first entrepreneur to be selected as one of seven members of his local CPC (Communist Party of China) Committee.

Founded in 2004 in the Datong County of Chengdu City, his company belongs to the Jushi Group Cooperation Limited, the biggest fiberglass manufacturer in Asia and number three in the world.

Official Luo Chunrong from the local Organization Department of the CPC praised the appointment as part of the development of CPC grassroots democracy.

"It builds a great bridge between the local committee and enterprises. Any difficulties or problems enterprises face can now be directly reported to the Party," she noted.

Focusing on employment, Zheng Xiangyang said he would fully undertake his task and work to create more jobs for local residents.

Luo Chunrong explained that because Zheng is not technically a local civil servant, he would not receive a salary. "As a part-time committee member, most of his time will still be spent on his enterprise. If there are any public affairs that would possibly be clouded by his own interests, the committee will ask him abstain from participation," Luo added.

Professor Wang Jianjun from the School of Public Administration under Sichuan University praised the decision to select a private entrepreneur to be a local CPC committee member and voluntarily participate in public affairs.

Wang said this strengthens the relationship between the Party and common people and promotes the grassroots democracy of the Party.

(China.org.cn by Wang Ke September 3, 2007)